Emmaus Hampshire 15th Anniversary

2024 marked the 15th anniversary of Emmaus Hampshire, the county’s unique solution to homelessness. It resulted in a very successful piece of charity PR.

Sector:
Communications Strategy Case Studies
Community Engagement Case Studies

To mark its 15th anniversary, Emmaus Hampshire arranged a service of celebration in Winchester Cathedral. This presented a significant opportunity to promote Emmaus Hampshire and raise funds for future capital projects.

Emmaus Hampshire asked 360 Integrated PR to devise a media strategy to encourage attendance at the cathedral service. The agency recommended a strategy based around two factors unique to Emmaus’ community of formerly homeless people (called Companions):

Its sustainability
Its contribution to the wider community in Winchester

Rather than focus solely on the celebration, we placed a series of relevant stories with local media throughout the year. These included one companion’s creation of the world’s first carbon calculator designed for the second-hand goods market, its success in the Winchester Business Excellence Awards and free tours during Winchester Green Week. The agency also helped Emmaus develop relations with the newly elected Winchester MP, Danny Chambers.

The interest built through these stories helped boost attendance at the celebration service from supporters, media and potential funders. While the charity invited its own contacts, 360 used its relationships in the local business and faith communities to reach new audiences.

The service featured a catwalk fashion show of donated clothing and a welcome by Emmaus UK President, Sir Terry Waite.

BBC TV (South Today) and local radio along with Hampshire news and lifestyle print and online media covered the service. The cathedral event alone generated direct donations of £65,000 to the charity’s Wellbeing Centre Project – 30% above the project’s initial target.

For more on 360 Integrated’s charity PR capabilities, give us a call on 02381 845025 or ask for a meeting.

(Picture credits: Zooming Photography.)

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